[Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page

[Olin Miller]

Globe artichokes are perennials that supposedly will produce buds up to
5 years but,  in my experience, in our desert climate they lose vigor
after the second year and 4 years is about the upper limit for
worthwhile bud production.  Harvest and plant some of the pups that grow
from the roots to ensure continuous production.

A simple google search brings up a lot of sites with good information.

There is also an "Imperial Star" cultivar that was developed to be grown
as an annual.  I tried it once and it was okay.  It produces the first
year with a lot of buds but it didn't make it through the summer. Good
bud production but smaller.  You would need to grow it from seed - I
have never seen the plants in nurseries and most nursery employees are
not aware that it exists.

The following was gleaned from an out-of-print Maricopa County 
publication and probably has more information that you wanted.

"         Planting: Plants can be grown readily from seed, but so much 
plant variation results that this method is not encouraged. The 
seedlings may be transplanted when six or eight inches high, to a 
permanent-place. These transplanted seedlings usually bear within a 
year. Off­shoots or suckers from old plants of good type are preferred.. 
Plants grow readily from these suckers detached from-the root crown and 
furnish an excellent means of propagation. Remove the shoots carefully 
with a knife or sharp spade so as to get a small part of the parent root 
at base of the shoot. Many such plants can thus be taken from a single 
root-crown and a few of the best shoots left for growth. Shorten the 
leaves on those suckers somewhat to reduce moisture loss of the 
transplant until the new roots are formed. These sprouts can be planted 
at once in permanent place in moist soil. The old plant will continue 
bearing for years. Trans planting is best done during early spring, 
about March.
          Irrigations: Irrigate to maintain good soil moisture to 2-3 
feet deep. Avoid excessive wet soil. Also, don't allow the plants to 
become droughty.

          Harvest: Globe artichokes, being flower buds, should be 
harvested as soon as they reach peak size and development and before the 
scales start to mature and open. In this condition they are more tender 
and a larger portion is edible. If buds are allowed to flower, growth of 
the shoots below is suppressed or stopped. Hence, prompt cutting as soon 
as buds reach prime condition insures a longer bearing season. The 
plants should be allowed to make free top growth to replenish root 
reserve for the next season.   About June the plants should be 
moderately pruned back and mulched and allowed to go dormant for 
several-weeks. During dormancy, reduced soil moisture is needed. About 
August start regular irrigating and cultivating to force good growth 
through the fall.  A moderate fertilization of 16-20-0 or similar 
chemical fertilizer at this time can be helpful.

"
Olin Miller
Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ

"The opinions or statements expressed herein are my own and should
 not be taken as a position, opinion, or endorsement of
the University of Arizona."
======================================================

----- Original Message ----- From: <bscline4 at msn.com>
Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 11:47 AM
> Sherry Cline,  85248,  bscline4 at msn.com
> I have planted a Globe artichoke, it is producing many chokes (taste
> great).  Where can I learn how long it will produce, what do I do with
> it at seasons end, when IS seasons end...I planted it in Oct/Nov...ate
> my first one (big, first one on plant) on 4/20/06.  There are about 17
> more on plant now...As you can see, I have many ?'s.  Any on-line
> resource where I can get answers?